Chapter 24
"We have to get her inside," Aileen commanded. "Grab her feet."
Tessie roused herself, smearing the tears away with her fists and taking hold of Faye's ankles as Aileen heaved her limp body up by the shoulders. "Lift child. Lift, dammit."
Tessie stumbled backwards to the open door of the Black Bonnet, the girls crowded at the doorway in a mass of wails and whimpers.
"Move!" Aileen directed. "Clear off the sofa. Do it." The distraught onlookers leapt into action knocking cushions and papers to the floor as Tessie stumbled to keep pace with Aileen's strong stride.
"Bolt the door.” Aileen pointed and one of the girls slid the thick metal bolt across and placed the wooden post in its bracket. "Now who's here?"
"Just Walter and Mr Wickens," another girl sniffled, staring wide-e
